Collapsible block having pivoted frame and elastic web

ABSTRACT

A collapsible block can be moved between collapsed and open positions. The block comprises two rectangular frames which are pivotally interconnected so that when they are swung into their open position, the frame has the configuration of an &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;X.&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; At least one band of resilient material is wrapped around the frames. The band offers resistence as the block is moved from its collapsed position to its open position. However, once the block is open, the band assists in keeping it in that position.

United States Patent Rosenfeld [151 3,656,255 [4 1 Apr. 18,1972

[54] COLLAPSIBLE BLOCK HAVING PIVOTED FRAME AND ELASTIC WEB [72] Inventor: Michael Rosenfeld, 371 Harvard Street, Cambridge, Mass. 02134 [22] Filed: June 18, 1970 [21] App]. No.: 47,508

[52] U.S. Cl. ..46/25, 25/121 R, 52/64, 52/222, 135/1 R, 249/179 R [51] Int. Cl. ..A63h 33/08 [58] Field of Search ..46/25, 24; 150/49; 135/1 R; 206/D1G. 6; 52/222 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 977,159 11/1910 Brandt ..150/49 3,028,871 4/1962 Clift ..135/1 R 2,014,904 9/1935 Martin 150/49 1,479,244 l/1924 Keipper ..206/DIG. 6 3,234,682 2/1966' Frankl ..46/24 FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS 562,430 5/1957 Italy 135/1 R Primary Examiner-F. Barry Sh Anomey-Seidel, Gonda & Goldhammer [57] ABSTRACT A collapsible block can be moved between collapsed and open positions. The block comprises two rectangular frames which are pivotally interconnected so that when they are swung into their open position, the frame has the configuration of an X." At least one band of resilient material is wrapped around the frames. The band offers resistence as the block is moved from its collapsed position to its open position. However, once the block is open, the band assists in keeping it in that position.

5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Pmtmimmwwrz 8,656,255

FIG. 4

INVENTOR MICHAEL ROSE/VFELD rmwa' ATTORNEYS COLLAPSIBLE BLOCK HAVING PIVOTED FRAME AND ELASTIC WEB This invention relates to collapsible blocks and more particularly to a block which has at least one band of resilient material around it.

Traditionally blocks have been a staple item in the toy business because of their simplicity and ease of manipulation. The blocks are interrelated in a simple manner and are easily handled by a child. As is well known, manipulation of blocks into varying configurations and forms provides many hours of enjoyment and pleasure for children. In addition to providing opportunities for development of coordination, blocks provide an opportunity for the child to exercise his imagination and creativity by creating new and different forms by combining the blocks into various arrangements.

However, blocks can be made to achieve additional exercising and educational objectives beyond those which were known heretofore.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a novel and unobvious toy block.

. It is another object of this invention to provide a novel and unobvi ous toy block that comprises a plurality of simple structural components.

It is another object of this invention to provide a toy block that embodies the relationship of cellular material having an internal frame with an external membrane.

, It is another object of this invention to provide a toy block that is movable between collapsed and a plurality of open positions.

It is another object of this invention to provide a toy block defining a volume which may be enclosed.

It is another object of this invention to provide a toy block which can be connected to other similar blocks to provide a composite structure.

Generally, the invention relates to a toy block that is movable between erect and collapsed positions. The block comprises a first open frame and a second open frame, said second frame having substantially the same configuration as said first frame. Each of the frames includes corresponding opposite side portions that are pivotally connected to each other for relative rotation from a collapsed position wherein said frames are adjacent each other to an erect position where said frames define a volume. Resilient means is provided on the periphery of the frames. The resilient means is relaxed when the block is collapsed and yields when the frames are rotated to erect the box so that the frames are constrained in their erect position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description thereof which follows wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred form of a collapsible block constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the block of FIG. 1 in a collapsed inverted position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two blocks of the form shown in FIG. 1 assembled; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3.

Referring to the drawing, in FIG. 1, a block constructed in accordance with a preferred form of the invention is shown in its erect position. It comprises an outer frame 11 and an inner frame 12 which are pivotally connected to define, when erect, an enclosed volume. The frame may be covered by a web 14 of a suitable resilient material to enclose the volume.

Outer frame 11 is comprised of elongated end members and 22 which support transverse members 24 and 26. Transverse members 24 and 26 may be generally elongated slender members which are supported at the tips of end members 20 and 22 in suitable apertures provided therefor.

Inner frame 12 similarly is comprised of elongated end members 30 and 32 which are interconnected by elongated transverse members 34 and 36 (FIG. 2). The elongated trans verse members are received in suitable apertures in the tips of end members 30 and 32.

The inner and outer frames 11 and 12 are connected to each other at the midpoints of their end members to provide a device that may be collapsed, yet when open, skeletally defines a volume having a visible and accessible interior. The pivotal connection of the inner and outer frames is effected by connecting end members 20 and 30 at their midpoints by a suitable pin 35 and by connecting end members 22 and 32 at their midpoints by a second pin 35 (FIG. 3).

The pins connecting the end members of the inner and outer frames should preferably be coaxial to permit relative pivotable movement of the frames.

The web enclosing the inner and outer frames may preferably be comprised of at least two separate components of resilient material 40and 42. As seen in the drawing, the webs overlie opposed parallelsides on each of the frames.

The webs may comprise continuous bands of elastic or rubberized stretch fabric that completely surround the frame. The distance around the periphery of each of the webs preferably is such that when the block is collapsed as illustrated in F IG. 2, the webs are relaxed. However, when the block is in its open position such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, they are stretched elastically. This provides a resilient yieldable covering for the block. Additionally, if desired, the bands of material can be made of such size that it requires a substantial effort to open the block to any erect position, thereby providing a muscle building exercise as the blocks are opened.

The two webs may be of different widths. However, they canbe proportioned so that when they are placed end to end, they cooperate to cover the entire block as defined between the end members. This creates the impression of a solid member having an exterior membnane or skinlike covering which is supported by an internal skeletal or framelike arrangement. Such a feature enhances the educational aspects of the toy in that skeletal and skin arrangements and the concept of the relationship of interior frames to outer visible structures is demonstrated.

If preferred, the webs can be placed in overlapping relationship so that in addition to presenting an enclosed volume with an opaque covering, each block also presents an open area where the interior of the volume defined by the frames is visible (FIG. 1).

Finally, if desired, narrow webs of material can be substituted for the wide webs illustrated so that the block is merely an open volume defined by the frames. This latter arrangement enhances the novel concept presented by these blocks of a structure defining a basic element that is comprised of even more basic, simpler components.

In a preferred form of the invention, the frames are of rectangular configuration in that the transverse members and end member may be parallel and set at right angles to each other. However, it is apparent that many other configurations such as trapezoids, parallelograms, or any other type of polygons having at least two opposed parallel sides presenting aligned pivotal connections can be utilized for frames.

Each block constructed in accordance with the preferred from of the invention may be provided with interconnecting means so that it can be connected to another block which is similarly constructed. In this regard, the end members 20 and 22 of outer frame 11 are provided with openings 44 at their ends (FIG. 4). Preferably, the openings are slightly larger than the cross section of transverse members 24 and 26, and are in axial alignment therewith. A notch 46 is formed in the midportion of the elongated end members 20 and 22 so that aforementioned pins 35 are approximately at the midpoint thereof.

Additionally, elongated end members 30 and 32 of the inner frame support outwardly extending pins 48 at their ends. Preferably, these pins are in axial alignment with transverse members 34 and 36.

As is apparent from FIG. 3, when two similarly constructed blocks 10 and 10' are placed together in end to end relation, outer end members 20'and 22' are in engagement with each other and are received in mutually interlocking notches 46 and 46'.

Pins 48 which are supported by the end members of block 10 are received in openings 40' in the end members of block while pin members 48' which are supported in the end members of block 10' are received in openings 40 in the end members of block 10. Thus, by virtue of having the aforedescribed pin and opening arrangement comprising the pins 38 and 38' and openings 40 and 40' and the mutually interlocking notches 38 and 38', the blocks can be connected to each other in interlocking end to end arrangement.

Additionally, the blocks may be stacked on their sides and may be arranged in other relationships so that intersecting and unusual shapes and configurations can be achieved by a plurality of blocks.

If desired, additional openings 52 can be located in various positions along the end members as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to facilitate the stacking of the blocks and to permit them to be set at angles with respect to each other. While it is to be preferred that these additional openings be positioned relatively close to the tips of the end members as illustrated, it is apparent that they can be located in any convenient position whereby they will function to enhance the block and help it to achieve its functions.

It is apparent from the preceding description that blocks of the type disclosed herein could be used as actual building elements. They would have to be substantially larger than the toy blocks. They could be used as either actual living units or as forms for pouring building material such as concrete. Thus, these blocks could be as large as 10 feet by feet when collapsed.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

l claim:

1. A toy block that is movable between erect and collapsed positions comprising, a first open frame having at least two parallel sides, a second frame, said second frame having substantially the same configuration as said first frame, corresponding opposite portions of said first and second frames being pivotally connected to each other along an axis lying between said parallel sides of at least one of said frames for relative rotation about said axis from a collapsed position wherein said frames are adjacent to each other to an erect position where said frames skeletally define a volume, and resilient web means on the periphery of said frames overlying said parallel sides, said resilient means being relatively relaxed when said block is collapsed and stretching elastically and engaging said parallel sides when said frames are rotated to erect said block so that said block is constrained in its erect positron.

2. A toy block as defined in claim 1 where, said resilient web means includes a first band of elastic material.

3. A toy block as defined in claim 2 wherein said first band encloses a portion of said volume, said resilient web means further including a second band of elastic material on the periphery of said frames, said second band being mounted for slidable movement past said first band, and said first and second bands cooperate to enclose said volume.

4. A toy block as defined in claim 3 wherein, said first and second frames comprise elongated end members that are connected at their corresponding opposite ends by transverse members.

5. A toy block as defined in claim 4 where said end members have connecting means to permit them to be connected to an adjacent toy block, said connecting means comprising at least one opening at each end of one of said elongated end members comprising one of said frames, and at least one pin at each end of said elongated end members comprising said other frame, said pins and openings being aligned with said transverse members and mating with corresponding connecting means on an adjacent toy block. 

1. A toy block that is movable between erect and collapsed positions comprising, a first open frame having at least two parallel sides, a second frame, said second frame having substantially the same configuration as said first frame, corresponding opposite portions of said first and second frames being pivotally connected to each other along an axis lying between said parallel sides of at least one of said frames for relative rotation about said axis from a collapsed position wherein said frames are adjacent to each other to an erect position where said frames skeletally define a volume, and resilient web means on the periphery of said frames overlying said parallel sides, said resilient means being relatively relaxed when said block is collapsed and stretching elastically and engaging said parallel sides when said frames are rotated to erect said block so that said block is constrained in its erect pOsition.
 2. A toy block as defined in claim 1 where, said resilient web means includes a first band of elastic material.
 3. A toy block as defined in claim 2 wherein said first band encloses a portion of said volume, said resilient web means further including a second band of elastic material on the periphery of said frames, said second band being mounted for slidable movement past said first band, and said first and second bands cooperate to enclose said volume.
 4. A toy block as defined in claim 3 wherein, said first and second frames comprise elongated end members that are connected at their corresponding opposite ends by transverse members.
 5. A toy block as defined in claim 4 where said end members have connecting means to permit them to be connected to an adjacent toy block, said connecting means comprising at least one opening at each end of one of said elongated end members comprising one of said frames, and at least one pin at each end of said elongated end members comprising said other frame, said pins and openings being aligned with said transverse members and mating with corresponding connecting means on an adjacent toy block. 